Prosecuter Jenny Haigh said that police checked on him at his home in January 2013 because of concerns that he might have breached his SOPO and they discovered a hidden camera phone which had 580 indecent images of children on it.

Experts found one image at the most serious Level A, three at Level B and 576 at Level C.

Because he had breached his prison licence Bradley was recalled to continue serving his sentence.

The judge was told that as a result of the latest offence he had served two years and 10 months by yesterday, equal to more than five years, and the time he had spent in custody would not count towards any new sentence.

His barrister Tom Finch told Judge David Hatton QC: “That is far out of proportion to the offending.

“I am asking you to impose a sentence of one day’s imprisonment.

“Not that that reflects the offences today, but to reflect the fact that he has been in custody the equivalent of a five years sentence.”

The judge, who said that he had been considering passing a six months sentence, added: “Well, I understand now.”

Judge Hatton told Bradley: “You have an appalling record, and were it not for the extraordinary events that have occurred I would be imposing a not insubstantial prison sentence.

“But you have been recalled on licence, and solely on the basis of that you have served the equivalent of a five years and nine months sentence.

“In the circumstances there will be a sentence of one day’s imprisonment.”

Bradley, of Portman Street, Middlesbrough, had admitted a single charge of making indecent images of children.